Signal-lantern



(No Model.) A

J. J. ROBINSON.. y

Signal L'amtfea'rnl` Y NQ. 241,723. v Patented May 17, 11.881.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN J. ROBINSON, OF EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS.

sleNAL-LANTERN.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 241,723, dated May 17, 1881.

Application led April 1, 1881.

To all whom it may concern Beit known that I, JOHN J AMES ROBINSON, of Everett, State ol' Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Sig nal-Lanterns, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification.

This invention relates to signal-lanterns for use in connection with railroads at switches and crossings and for ships. The class of lantern herein referred to is adapted to be raised and lowered by ropes or chains extended over pulleys in a manner well known.

Myinvention consists in a lantern combined with an external supporting frame or bail, having cross-bars adapted to support the lantern within the said frame, the frame being suitably shaped at its upper and lower ends to be connected with a chain or rope.

Figure l is an elevation of one ot Inyimproved signal-lanterns, the case being in section. Fig. 2 is a section of the same on the line a* x, Fig. 1, the lamp being removed. Fig. 3 is a view on a smaller scale ot the signal-lantern suspended, as it will be, by a rope or chain.

Referring to the drawings, c represents the metallic lantern-case, substantially rectangular in cross-section, and provided at each side with a pane or plate of glass, b, of any desired color. One of the said panes of glass-namely, that i12- is placed in a door hinged to the case at b3. This case has a bottom piece, c, upon which is placed a lamp, d, of any usual shape. This bottom piece is provided with holes c2 to permit the now upward through the case of air admitted at the inlet c3.

The bottom piece, c, has upon it an annular socket or rim, c4, in which is set the base ofthe lamp d, a springt'astening device, e, (shown in (No model.)

Fig. 2,) engaging the base of and holding the lamp within the said socket or rim.

Tile case a is provided with openings f to receive a cross rod or bar, g, while a second cross rod or bar, g2, is extended through the case immediately below the bottom piece, c. These cross rods or bars, made as bolts, are passed through the lantern frame or bail h, which is composed of a metal bar bent into elliptical form and inclosing the case a from top to bottom. These cross-rods are also extended throngh and made to support a hoop, i, the frame or bail h, and hoop t', thus thoroughly protecting the lanterlI-case from injury from blows and making a very strong and et'- icient signal-lantern.

The ends of the frame h are bent and contracted, as at h2, to permit a chain or rope to be connected securely with it and be held in proper position.

I claim- 1. As an improved article of manufacture, the signal-lantern herein described, composed of the case a, the external metal frame h, eX- tended above and below it, and the cross-rods, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. The lantern-case a, provided with glass at its sides, and the perforated bottom. piece, c,

combined with the cross-rods and external elliptical frame h and hoop i connected therewith, all substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specilication in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN J. ROBINSON.

Witnesses G. W. GREGORY, BERNIOE J. NoYEs. 

